New Orleans Saints alumni brought a discussion of motivation, education and goals to “A Day with the Pros Youth Talk,” held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westwego on Saturday.

CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Lewis talks about expectations during 'A Day with the Pros Youth Talk' at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westwego on Saturday.

Local children hung on every word from former football players.

Lisa Carey Productions and Grey Cup Champion Kerry Parker in cooperation with Westwego Councilman Glenn Green, the Monsignor Wynhoven Knights of Columbus and former National Football League and Canadian Football League Players presented a back to school extravaganza.

“The purpose of the event is to motivate the children about going back to school and to improve lifestyles,” Carey said.

Carey, a Westwego resident, works with Parker on various kids programs.

Parker kicked off the program with an introduction followed by a performance by artist La’Ray Tapo. He belted out tunes about non-violence. Then each player had a turn to speak to the children.

Jack Holmes, former New Orleans Saints running back, spoke about education. His message to the children was to stay in school, obey parents and read a book.

He said reading increases vocabulary, helps your mind and makes you grow.

“If you do all the right things, some day you will be professional in anything you do,” he said.

Setting goals was the topic from Emanuel “Z-Man” Zanders.

“Never say what you can’t do, set a goal and be ambitious,” he said.

He said he was raised in a one-parent home after his father was killed. He always wanted to go to college and play in the NFL, but he didn’t’ get drafted. Then one day the Miami Dolphins called him. He also played for the New Orleans Saints for eight years and the Chicago Bears for a year.

“You can’t get into college if you don’t have the grades,” former Saints running back Michael Strahan told the group.

Strahan stressed the importance of education. He said college is needed before playing ball.

Strahan said some of the best athletes didn’t play ball because they lacked the grades to go to college. He urged the group to start working on their grades now.

“In order to get to the next level, you need to start now,” he said.

Tyrone Hughes, former player for the Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, spoke directly to the parents.

“Invest time in your kids to motivate them,” he said.

He said people talk about kids in the streets committing crimes, but it’s not the police’s job to stop crime, it’s the community’s job.

Parents need to know what their kids are doing.

“Discipline has to start at home,” he said. “Invest time in your kids.”

Michael Lewis is a former Saints football player who works in the team’s front office. Part of his job is working with children in the community to get them on the right track.

He had a two-fold message.

“Without education you don’t have anything,” he told the kids. “You can be a doctor or a lawyer until you are 60 years old, but you can’t play football at 60 years old.”

He advised the children to set their goals now, and then check those goals at the end. Next year, he said, set higher goals.

“Education comes first and foremost,” Lewis said.

Then to the parents he said, “there are two sides to every story, so don’t just assume it’s the teacher being hard on your child.”

“The kids are not always right.”

He stressed that parents should help their kids with homework. He also pointed out that children need to get away from video games and run around outside. Today, obesity is a main concern among young children.

When your child does something wrong, he said, give them chores and make them do more.

“Be hard on them,” Lewis said. “Our kids are our future and we need to invest in their future.”

A question-and-answer session followed the talks. Children who asked a question received a football signed by all players. In all, 60 footballs were given out.

The parents enjoyed the event as much as the children.

“I think it’s wonderful and it’s a good thing for kids,” said Donielle Lambert of Bridge City. She attended the event with her husband and daughter.

“Everything they talked about was great information,” Lambert said. “It’s like a reality check.”

Ray Richard attended the event with his wife, Kristy and their two boys. He said his son, Riley Richard, 5, wants to play football so he brought him to meet the players.

“It’s a good program for the kids and that the players came out to support our community.”